Danville Express

Newsfront - July 3, 2009

Let the pros put on the shows for Independence Day

The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District asks residents to keep in mind that the possession or use of any fireworks is illegal in Contra Costa County. It is also illegal to purchase "safe and sane" fireworks from a neighboring county and bring them to this county. Anyone found in possession of fireworks or caught using them could be fined up to $1,000 and/or receive a jail term of up to a year.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 8,800 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for injuries associated with fireworks. Over half the injuries are burns and most injuries involve the hands, eyes and head. Over half the victims are children under 15.

The Fire District encourages residents to attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals, noting that the cities of San Ramon, Livermore and Martinez all host dazzling Fourth of July events. For more information, visit www.firedepartment.org. To report the sale and use of illegal fireworks or explosives, contact the local police department.